What games do most people think of when they hear the name "{{Konami}}?" ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''? ''Franchise/MetalGear''? ''Anime/YuGiOh''? How about ''Ganbare Goemon''? No? Well, you're not alone.

''Ganbare Goemon'' (known as ''Mystical Ninja'' in the West) is a long-running series of video games by {{Konami}} that began in 1986 with the release of ''Mr. Goemon'' for the arcade. The plots revolve around the chivalrous thief Goemon and his friends Ebisumaru, Sasuke, and Yae as they set out to defeat whatever zany villain is threatening Japan (or the universe) at the time. SurrealHumor [[HilarityEnsues ensues]].

While Western gamers are largely unfamiliar with the series, it's actually one of Konami's biggest {{Cash Cow Franchise}}s in Japan, having spawned a numerous games (but also some manga, a few anime, and loads of merchandise) since its debut. But if the games are so popular, then why aren't more of them released in English?

Cultural barriers, mostly. One of ''Ganbare Goemon'''s biggest draws - aside from the vibrant graphics, superb music, and great gameplay - is its bizarre brand of [[WidgetSeries uniquely Japanese humor]] that makes translation difficult. Within you'll find many oddities such as time-traveling transvestite nuns, bunny-obssessed shoguns, and suicidal sportsmen. There's also a great deal of anachronistic elements (such as [[InstantAwesomeJustAddMecha giant robots]]) that really have no place in Edo-period Japan. It's all so absurd that you'll just have to experience it for yourself.----!!'''Notable works in the franchise:'''

'''Video Games:'''

* ''Mr. Goemon'' (1986, Arcade) is a side-scrolling action game that is only thematically related to the later series, as it features a completely different gameplay and an art style based on ukyo paintings.* ''Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Dōchū'' (1986, [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem FC]]) is the true game in the series, an attempt to create a 3D platformer on the NES by adopting an overhead view. It is notable for being the first 2 Megabit cartridge on the Famicom and the last game to feature old Konami logo. The [=MSX2=] version released in 1987 features redesigned stages in order to better suit the hardware's lack of scrolling capability. A sequel was released titled ''Ganbare Goemon 2'' (1989, [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem FC]]), which added 2-player co-op and introduced Goemon's faithful sidekick, Ebisumaru.* Two spin-off traditional RPG surfaced: ''Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ōgun Kiseru'' (1990, [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem FC]]) and ''Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2: Tenka no Zaihō'' (1992, [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem FC]]) . They are notable for using special double-sized cartridges, and for ditching the original gameplay in favour of a more elaborate story. Yae, and Kurobe (the ninja cat) are introduced here, with some cameos from [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} Simon Belmont]] and VideoGame/{{Twinbee}}.* Then there were the Super Famicom games, which returned to the original's gameplay improving upon it to make themselves the epitome of the series. ** ''Ganbare Goemon: Yuki-hime Kyūshutsu Emaki'' (1991, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SFC]]) was the first one, and the only of the SNES offering to have a release overseas as ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' (1992, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SNES]]).** There were three more Super Famicom offerings: the second had a case of SequelDifficultyDrop, and the third was similar in many aspects to ''[[VideoGame/ZeldaIITheAdventureOfLink Zelda II]]'', although with the best side-scrolling sections in the entire series. Both of them introduced Mode-7 mecha boss battles, after the castles' bosses. These starred the famous [[HumongousMecha Goemon Impact]]. The fourth one is the one with the best level-design, graphics and situations, although it is NintendoHard.*** ''Ganbare Goemon 2: Kiteretsu Shōgun Magginesu'' (1993, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SFC]])*** ''Ganbare Goemon 3: Shishi Jūrokubē no Karakuri Manji-gatame'' (1994, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SFC]])*** ''Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Dōchū - Boku ga Dancer ni Natta Wake'' (1995, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SFC]])*** ''Kessakusen! Ganbare Goemon: Yuki-hime to Magginesu'' (2005, {{G|ameBoyAdvance}}BA): A port of the two first SFC games.* Another puzzler spin-off, with prerendered graphics, starring Ebisumaru, has been released as ''Soreyuke Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro'' (1996, [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SFC]]), with FakeDifficulty due to awful isometric perspective controls.* Meanwhile, a plethora of GameBoy games have been released. Only two of them got released oversas: ** ''Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru'' (1991, {{G|ameBoy}}B): Released in Europe as part of ''Konami GB Collection Vol.3'' as ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' (2000, {{G|ameBoy}}BC). It is available worldwide on the 3DS eShop. ** ''Ganbare Goemon: Kuro Fune-tō no Nazo'' (1997, {{G|ameBoy}}B): a mediocre Zelda clone released as ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' (1998, {{G|ameBoy}}B) in the west.* Other Japan-only GameBoy titles are:** ''Ganbare Goemon: Tengu-tō no Gyakushū'' (1999, {{G|ameBoy}}BC): an RPG like the Gaiden Famicom series.** ''Ganbare Goemon: Mononoke Dōchū - Tobidase Nabe Bugyō!'' (1999, {{G|ameBoy}}BC): Links with ''Mononoke Sugoroku''. Tries to capitalize on the Pokémon success.** ''Ganbare Goemon: Seikūshi Dainamaittsu Arawaru!!'' (2000, {{G|ameBoy}}BC), the best GameBoyColor entry in the series: it plays like a port of Goemon 2 SFC.* The PlayStation opuses were not met with nearly as much success as the N64 games.** ''Ganbare Goemon: Uchū Kaizoku Akogingu'' (1996, {{P|layStation}}SX): a 2D sidescroller, inspired from Goemon 3 SFC. It ditches long-time [=PCs=] Yae and Sasuke for two ReplacementScrappy old men.** ''Ganbare Goemon: Kuru Nara Koi! Ayashige Ikka no Kuroi Kage'' (1998, {{P|layStation}}SX): a full 3D game. Hit the PolygonCeiling pretty hard, and is widely considered the worst console Goemon game, save for its Goemon Impact sequences.** ''Ganbare Goemon: Ōedo Daikaiten'' (2001, [[PlayStation PSX]]): where the series went back to its 2D roots, with a 2.5D sidescroller, inspired from (and bordering on ripping off) Goemon 2 SFC.** ''Goemon Shin Sedai Shūmei!'' (2001, {{P|layStation}}SX): A spinoff with a futuristic setting and a new cast, with a young spiky-haired Goemon. Fans didn't appreciate. It was ported (with many cuts) to the GBA as ''Goemon New Age Shutsudō!'' (2002, {{G|ameBoyAdvance}}BA).* The Nintendo 64 games, notable for being localized more accurately:** ''Ganbare Goemon: Neo Momoyama Bakufu no Odori'' (1997, {{N|intendo64}}64), released overseas as ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' (1998, {{N|intendo64}}64). A full-3D platformer, yet more successful than its PSX counterpart.** ''Ganbare Goemon Derodero Dōchū Obake Tenko Mori'' (1998. {{N|intendo64}}), Released in American as ''Goemon's Great Adventure'', and in Europe as ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon 2'' (1998, {{N|intendo64}}64): a 2.5 sidescroller. A highlight of the series.** ''Goemon Mononoke Sugoroku'' (1999, {{N|intendo64}}64): A Japan-only spin-off board game, with Mons elements. Links with ''Mononoke Dōchū''.* ''Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon'' (2000, {{P|laystation2}}S2): A slightly DarkerAndEdgier attempt at reimagining the series, with a kid Goemon with a pet white tiger, and a more serious tone. Has cameos from long-time [=PCs=] Yae, Sasuke, and Ebisamaru. Has a complete [[VaporWare unreleased english localization]] by WorkingDesigns.* ''Ganbare Goemon: Tōkai Dōchū - Ōedo Tengu-ri Kaeshi no Maki'' (2005, {{N|intendoDS}}DS): Marks the return of the series to its former glory, with a gameplay similar to the first N64 with better controls. Upon being linked to the GBA port of the two first SNES games, it unlocks various cameos from earlier games [=NPCs=].* ''Pachislot Ganbare Goemon'' (2009, Arcade)

[[folder:Game-Related Tropes]]* AchillesHeel: Parodied in the first N64 game.* AllThereInTheManual: How else could we learn about how Yae [[FeminineWomenCanCook enjoys making sweet bean donuts and croissants?]]* AmericanKirbyIsHardcore: When the first SNES game in the series, ''[[http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/goemon/goemon1sfc.jpg Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyuushutsu Emaki]]'' got translated and brought over to America as ''[[http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/goemon/mysticalninjasnesa.jpg Legend of the Mystical Ninja]]'', it's boxart got redesigned to suit the more 'American Style'.* AndYourRewardIsClothes: In ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' and ''Tōkai Dōchū''.* AttractiveBentGender: Inversion. [[spoiler:In the end of the second Famicom game, Ebisumaru reveals that he is actually a beautiful young girl who was transformed into an ugly man by a jealous feudal lord. For some reason, he reverts back to his "ugly man" form in subsequent games.]]* BossSubtitles: Used in the later games.* {{Bowdlerise}}: References to Wise Man's perversions were censored in ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' and ''Goemon's Great Adventure'', such as pornographic books being changed to car magazines.* CanisMajor: [[spoiler: Dochuki's]] true form is a gigantic, horned wolf demon.* CelShading: ''Tōkai Dōchū''* CherryBlossoms: Used for romantic symbolism in ''Kuru Nara Koi'', when [[spoiler:Dr. Yabu (revealed to be Mr. Ayashige) realizes he still loves his estranged wife]] and in the post-credits scene where [[spoiler:Omitsu comes to forgive Goemon]].* ChubbyChaser: A NPC girl in Tortoise island in ''Goemon's Great Adventure" will only give you a plot-relevant item if you talk to her as Ebisumaru because she finds his chubbiness attractive.* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: One-shot characters make up a large number of the series' [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters massive cast]]. The lucky ones are allowed to make a cameo appearance or two.* ContinuingIsPainful: Continuing in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' causes you to lose ''everything'', including your money, power and max health (which you can't get back.) There ''are'' locations in town where you can write a logbook to save your progress and retain everything upon continuing, but if you die in the next town before getting to that place, you better be prepared to either start the previous level over again or give up everything to keep going.* ContinuityReboot: The first SFC game, which has Goemon and Ebisumaru meeting Yae for the first time (despite the fact that she already met them in ''Goemon Gaiden'') and ignores the twist ending of ''Ganbare Goemon 2'' where [[spoiler:Ebisumaru is revealed to be a woman who was cursed into looking like an ugly man]].* CutAndPasteTranslation: The instruction manual of ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja''. On the one hand, it's humorous tone fits the game fairly well. On the other hand, ''it completely makes stuff up''.* DiscOneFinalDungeon: Ryukyu Castle in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' is long and hard as hell, and ends with Goemon and Ebisumaru finally rescuing Princess Yuki...only to find out that you fell into a trap set by the villains and get thrown in jail, and have to break out to traverse the ''real'' final dungeon and rescue her a second time.* DiscontinuityNod: ''Tōkai Dōchū'' has a cameo by the "New Age" Goemon, who has been imprisoned for crimes against the franchise. The same title even has straw [[TrainingDummy training dummies]] made in his likeness.* DungeonTown: Every single town (at least until future games stopped trying to invoke EverythingIsTryingToKillYou.)* EverythingTryingToKillYou: EVERYTHING.** Actually, starting with Goemon 2 SFC, the townspeople would no longer harm Goemon in town, at least until he attacks someone, triggering an infinite swarm of furious cops, as a nod to previous Famicom-era games... Played straight however in a town set within Goemon 2 Final Castle (which may be justifiable), and whith te platforming sections. * {{Fembot}}: While Yae Impact exhibits the typical "sleek and feminine" style of most cited examples, Miss Impact simply looks like Goemon Impact wearing a wig and kimono.* ForcedLevelGrinding: Of sorts. ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' requires the player to buy a pass and a phrasebook at different points throughout the game, both of which are very expensive. If you don't have the money on hand already (which can easily happen if you GameOver in a new town before you reach the logbook, and don't feel like starting the previous level over again,) you either better be good at minigames or be ready to grind for money for a while.* {{Foreshadowing}}: In the Famicom version of ''Ganbare Goemon 2'', Ebisumaru can only bathe in the ladies' section of the bathhouses.* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: A fair amount. Because of ValuesDissonance, many censors don't realize that there's anything that might be objectionable to Westerners. For example, the conspicuous genitalia of Tanukis are left intact.** Despite the game being somewhat censored on Western importation; the English version of ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' does contain the word, "damn."* GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere: ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' has the Mountain Pass boss, a giant kabuki actor, who gets no explanation, and after his defeat Goemon and Ebisumaru simply continue on their way.* HeartContainer: The gold and silver ManekiNeko dolls. * HistoricalDomainCharacter: UsefulNotes/IshikawaGoemon * InUniverseGameClock: Featured in a few games - tougher monsters appear at night, and some side quests are available only at certain times of day.* ItCantBeHelped: The party's reaction to Goemon being forced into doing a certain sidequest in ''Goemon's Great Adventure'', but only if you're playing with a friend.* KonamiCode: One NPC in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' explicitly tells you that nothing will happen if you input it.* LaughTrack: Used in both ''Ganbare Goemon 3'' and ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon''.* LevelGoal: The tanuki statues, which break open to reveal a cache of coins or an entry pass.* MiyamotoMusashi: One of the bosses in the "New Age" games, except as a girl.* MythologyGag : Early on the DS game, Goemon has to free the Wise Man from imprisonment by brainwashed village culltists. In one of the cells, ReplacementScrappy Neo Age Goemon (not depicted in the same Sumi-e art style as the rest of the [=NPCs=]) is held for copyright infringement.** The two Goemon games for the Famicom, and the first one on the SNES (the localized one) has a severe case of EverythingTryingToKillYou, as all of the villagers, cops, fishermen (and the fish they're holding) trying to kill you. Starting with Goemon 2 SFC, this is no longer the case, but if you hit someone, you're likely to be raided by an infinite army of cops, in a nod to the earlier games. The DS game even summons more powerful cops every time you clear enough of them, some being end-game enemies. But the cops won't react if you attack a thief, or some grandmas/old men (who are much more dangerous then cops..) * NintendoHard: ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' is certainly hard, but much of its difficulty comes from how unrelenting the game is, with the player not even able to take a break in towns due to [[EverythingIsTryingToKillYou Everything Trying To Kill You]] (as well as the fact that ContinuingIsPainful.)* NoSwastikas: The star blocks in ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' and ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' were originally adorned with manji marks.* OneWingedAngel: Interestingly, [[spoiler:Dochuki]] is the only villain to have done this in the series' 23-year run.** Technically, [[spoiler:Kabuki]] did it as well. * ShoutOut: The obligatory references to other Konami games. [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} Simon Belmont]] was even a GuestStarPartyMember in ''Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2''.** In ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'', a kid mentioned his dad was trying to do a rain dance, but it "Ended up looking like a Music/MichaelJackson dance."** Yae's "[[TokimekiMemorial Kirameki High School uniform" outfit,]] as well her FurBikini which makes her resemble Lum from UruseiYatsura.** In ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' there's a sidequest in the Tree Stump Village involving a girl that wants to get ride of the crow tengus infesting the Wonder Valley. She asks you if you are the exterminator she hired and then she correct herself saying that said exterminator mentioned something about [[Film/{{Terminator}} wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses]]. ** Goemon's power up in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' mimicks [[Manga/DragonBall a super saiyan transformation]].** ''Ganbare Goemon 3'' has [[TheCameo cameo appearances]] of [[TokimekiMemorial Shiori Fujisaki]] and [[VideoGame/{{Twinbee}} Pastel]], as [[http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/4429/gg3shioripastelcameos.jpg reception hostesses of the Tourist Centers]]. * PolygonCeiling: Averted with the two first localized N64 games (the third, Goemon: Mononoke Sugoroku, being a Japanese-only version of Culcept), but played horribly straight in the 3D PS1 and the Only PS2 outings. Futuristic Punk Kid Goemon, anyone? Rumours say it was the reason Sony would not allow these to be localized. The Only redeeming factors in those outings (infamous for a blue void as a background, and horrible game designs) are its FMVs, or the Impact Battles pushing those systems to their limits. * SkipOfInnocence: Ebisumaru is a [[GenderInvertedTrope Rare Male Example]]. Some games (The Super Famicom ones mainly) have him skipping as a walking animation.* StalkedByTheBell* UnexpectedShmupLevel: ''Uchū Kaizoku Akogingu''* UnwantedRescue: From ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' - [[spoiler:"The oh-so-beautiful song and dance of Dancin' and Lily... we won't be able to see them. Thanks to you! You little..."]]* VariableMix: ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' and ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' are notable for having this, with the background music in "castle" areas becoming more fleshed out as the player progresses. Not to mention Great Adventure having the music change in field stages as evening rolls in and vice versa.* VideoGameCrueltyPunishment: A swarm of angry guards will appear if you harm innocent civilians. They can be defeated in one hit, but will continue to appear until you either die or leave the area. In earlier games, attacking the roving "bonus characters" (which included Omitsu and Princess Yuki) would result in a monetary penalty.* VillainSong: Three words: Gorgeous My Stage.* WhatTheHellPlayer: In ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'', after rescuing the Lord in the Transformed Oedo Castle, he asks you to investigate the Peach Mountain Shoguns, the main antagonists. You have the option of accepting or refusing the call. If you say "no", the Lord will comment on how he can't believe a hero like you would refuse his request followed by the LaughTrack. If you keep refusing, the Lord will [[WelcomeToCorneria keep repeating the same line]], but the LaughTrack will be replaced with [[DudeNotFunny disapproving groans]].* YagyuJubei: Appears in ''Sarawareta Ebisumaru'' as "Yagi Jubei"; Yae's older sister Hitoe may be modeled after him.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Manga-Related Tropes]]* AdaptationDistillation: The games are already light on plot, so trimming the fat allowed Obi to [[AdaptationExpansion expand upon]] some characters' roles - such as Omitsu in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' and Impact in ''Ganbare Goemon 4'' - and generally making things more interesting.* AllMenArePerverts: It's to be expected when Hiroshi Obi also produces {{Ecchi}} and {{Hentai}}...* BringMyBrownPants: In ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'', Goemon wets himself when he mistakes a food-engorged Ebisumaru for a monster.* ComicBookAdaptation: There have been a number of gag manga produced over the years, but Hiroshi Obi is by far the most well-known for having made an entire series based on the "major" games (along with two original stories).* DerailingLoveInterests: Despite being initially described as Goemon's sweetheart, Omitsu quickly underwent {{Flanderization}} into an abusive and selfish harpy of a woman, making readers wonder why Goemon continued to keep her around long after it was made obvious that he preferred Yae.* FourthWallMailSlot: A recurring segment in ''Ganbare Goemon Fever'' had Goemon and Ebisumaru "modify" Sasuke based on schematics sent from readers.* IndirectKiss: Invoked in ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon''. [[spoiler:Ebisumaru states that he had his lips on Koryuta's Flute after Yae did, making it an indirect kiss. Goemon then assumes that kissing Ebisumaru would be like doing the same to Yae, and does so out of desperation.]]* LoveChart: ''Ganbare Goemon 3'' has one.* LustObject: Yae is Goemon's, though there's some hints of romantic attraction here and there.* {{Nosebleed}}: Described as happening but never actually shown in the games for some reason. The manga naturally has more than enough to make up for it.* RetCanon: From the manga to the games, there's Yae's bazooka (''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'') and Ebisumaru Impact (''Kiteretsu Shougun Magginesu''). The concept of Obisumaru may have resulted from a panel in ''Legend of the Mystical Ninja'' in which Hiroshi Obi cosplays as Ebisumaru.* VomitIndiscretionShot: The fate of anyone who witnesses Ebisumaru's "Heroine Technique." Its first usage triggers a VomitChainReaction from friend and foe alike![[/folder]]

[[folder:Anime-Related Tropes]]* TheAnimeOfTheGame: One television series and two [=OVAs=].* ADayInTheLimelight: ''Chikyū Kyūshutsu Sakusen'' is a rare occasion in which Omitsu takes an active role in the plot instead of being a cheerleader or kidnapping victim. NicoNicoDouga commenter reactions were a mixture of confusion and annoyance.* EmotionEater: The "Rage Gauge" in ''Anime'' is powered by negative emotions, which will allow Makuamuuge to enter the real world when enough is collected.* GreenAesop: The entirety of ''Chikyū Kyūshutsu Sakusen''.* HappilyMarried: Yōko and Junichirō Ishikawa (Tsukasa's parents).* LoveHurts: Protein falls for an {{oblivious|ToLove}} Sasuke, but they're on opposite sides of the conflict. Later, the same happens to Dr. Mudanashi with Tsukasa's mother.* PowerUpFood: Omitsu's ohagi in the TV anime only works for Goemon if it's made by her, thanks to ThePowerOfLove.* RealWorldEpisode: Goemon and company have the ability to freely go back and forth from the game world to the real world in ''Anime''.* {{Rich B|itch}}astard: Noboru Mejirodai in ''Anime''.* YouHaveFailedMe: In ''Anime'', Makuamuuge tires of Seppukumaru's constant screw-ups and sends him down a TrapDoor to make way for newcomers Dr. Mudanashi and Mr. Protein.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Multi-Media Tropes]]* AbhorrentAdmirer: [[EvenTheGuysWantHim Even the guys want Goemon]], but they tend to be male versions of this trope. Kenzo especially stands out, repeatedly entering Goemon's house uninvited and claiming it to be their "love nest."* AccidentalMisnaming: Spring Breeze Dancin' in ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' immediately gives Goemon and Ebisumaru the nicknames of "Fernandez" and "Antonio," respectively. In the manga, Sasuke recieves the less-dignified nickname of "Boingy."** It wasn't an accident. Dancin' has a habit of, "[[TheNicknamer Choosing a new name for a person if he feels it better suits them]]". Which leads to this pricless exchange:--> '''Dancin''': Farewell then, Fernandez!\\'''Goemon''': Wait a minute! Who's Fernandez?!\\'''Ebisumaru''': He was looking at you when he said it.* AlternateContinuity: The anime and Hiroshi Obi's manga. Game-wise, there's ''Bouken Jidai Katsugeki'' and the two "New Age" titles.* BitingTheHandkerchief: Nyanko of the Four Tsujigiri does this on a near-constant basis.* CityOfAdventure: Hagure Town of Edo, [[SpellMyNameWIthAnS variously translated as]] "Oedo Town" and "Lost'n Town."* ConsoleCameo: A Super Famicom is shown in ''Soreyuke Ebisumaru'' and ''Jigen-jō no Akumu''.* DemotedToExtra: Koryuta made his debut as a permanent party member in ''Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2''. Nowadays he's just a mode of transportation, though the manga tried to expand his role a little.* [[TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse Edo Is the Center of the Universe]]* GoldfishPoopGang: If a villain has henchmen, chances are they'll be this.* {{Historical|DomainCharacter}} and PublicDomainCharacter: Due to many Japanese folk characters being based on real people, the series skirts between the two tropes. A few examples are Nezumi Kouzo, SarutobiSasuke, and (of course) Ishikawa Goemon.* HumongousMecha: A staple of the series since ''Kiteretsu Shougun Magginesu''.* IHaveYouNowMyPretty: Happens a few times to Omitsu, particularly in ''Kuru Nara Koi'' where the entire plot revolves around the spoiled son of the wealthy Ayashige family attempting to force her into marriage. (Said son is only a [[{{Squick}} child]]...)* ImpliedLoveInterest: Konami hasn't revealed the true nature of Goemon and Omitsu's relationship, but they're obviously very close. This is possibly for the best, considering how popular it is to pair off Goemon with someone who isn't Omitsu - making them explicitly an OfficialCouple would definitely piss off a lot of shippers.* ImprobableWeaponUser: Goemon's trademark weapon is a ''kiseru'', a type of Japanese smoking pipe. Ebisumaru's arsenal varies from game to game, but he has had a few unusual weapons as well, including flutes, megaphones and {{paper fan|OfDoom}}s.* KabukiSounds: The series is generously peppered with all manner of Kabuki influences, such as Goemon's kumadori face paint and tendency to make mie poses.* LukeIAmYourFather: [[spoiler:Goemon is revealed to be the ancestor of Shishi Jurokubei, the BigBad of ''Ganbare Goemon 3''. Jurokubei performs a HeelFaceTurn immediately afterwards.]]* MeaningfulName: Many of the villains in the series have one, often overlapping with PunnyName.* NiceJobBreakingItHero: In ''Ganbare Goemon 4'', [[spoiler:the heroes' breaking of the barriers surrounding Planet Impact allowed the evil Harakiri Seppukumaru to escape.]] Whoops!* {{Ninja}}* NoCommunitiesWereHarmed: The series uses the names of the old provinces of Japan, but the locations therein are entirely fictional.* NoNameGiven: The majority of characters are only referred to by their first names, save for most villains. The few exceptions - Ishikawa Goemon, Ikeda Omitsu, and Momochi Monoshirinosuke - are never mentioned again after they're revealed.* PurelyAestheticEra: Hey, there weren't robots in Feudal Japan!* SealedEvilInACan: [[spoiler:Harakiri Seppukumaru in ''Ganbare Goemon 4'' and Dochuki in ''Goemon's Great Adventure''.]]* ShipSinking and ShipTease: In ''Kuru Nara Koi'', [=GoeYae=] fans are baited by an impending MedicineKiss scenario, only for Yae to quickly pass the task on to an obliging [[NoYay Ebisumaru]] instead.** Also, the post-game [[DialogueTree phone conversation]] in ''Goemon's Great Adventure'' has a branch leading to Yae lamenting about how she didn't know that Goemon and Omitsu were together, and she even admits that it's too late to do anything about it.*** Probably a reference to the fact that the Goemon/Omitsu couple was there before Yae came into existence, meaning it was too late for the creators to get them together even if they wanted to.** Goemon had nightmares in the manga to make it clear that any romantic feelings he had for Omitsu were eliminated by the time ''Kiteretsu Shougun Magginesu'' occured, perhaps even earlier if one takes the bonus chapter of ''Uchū Kaizoku Akogingu'' into account. There's another in ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' in which Omitsu guilt-trips him for treating her disappearance with apathy (even whipping out the manga itself as proof when he denies it). Ironically, the real Omitsu thanks Goemon for his concern when they meet again later on.* {{Takarazuka}}: The Peach Mountain Shoguns from ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' are a nod to this. The four Miracle Items are based on four of the five troupes - the last referencing their outer space origins. Also, the henchmen are modeled after otokoyaku, making them men dressed as women who dress as men but still behave in an effeminate manner. Try wrapping your brain around that one!* VagueAge: Everyone except for Wise Man (98 years old as of ''Ganbare Goemon 4'') and General Magginesu (39 years old).* VerbalTic: A lot of characters have them, mostly villains. The Four Tsujigiri even have different verbal tics between the games and anime.* VillainousCrossdresser: This series just ''loves'' them.** This provides another example of Bowdlerizing. In ''Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon'' on the N64, Goemon routinely calls the villains "weirdos." In Japan, however, it's "faggots."* WidgetSeries[[/folder]]----<>